Govt seeks stronger UNDP partnership to accelerate SDGs

July 14, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has called for deeper collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate sustainable development, strengthen climate resilience and expand access to development financing, during talks held in New York on Tuesday.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal met UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo to review Pakistan's development priorities and discuss ways to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between the country and the UNDP.

During the meeting, the minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to working closely with the UNDP and appreciated the agency's continued support for the country's national development agenda, according to APP.

Highlighting the government's long-term vision, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan's development strategy is being driven through the "Uraan Pakistan" initiative, which is built around five key pillars: exports, digitalization, environment, energy and equity.

He also acknowledged the UNDP's collaboration with the Ministry of Planning in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through the establishment of SDG Support Units and its role in facilitating the 2025 SDGs Policy Dialogue for Action.

The two sides reviewed progress on Pakistan's SDG Plus Programme, which aims to accelerate implementation of the global goals by strengthening provincial ownership and promoting localized action.

They emphasized the need to bring SDG implementation closer to communities through stronger provincial engagement.

Ahsan Iqbal said the National Economic Council has decided to conduct quarterly assessments of provincial performance on key social development indicators, noting that provincial governments play the central role in delivering human development outcomes.

De Croo welcomed Pakistan's efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms for implementing the SDGs and reiterated the UNDP's commitment to supporting the country's sustainable development agenda.

The minister noted that Pakistan's development ambitions continue to be constrained by high debt-servicing obligations and limited fiscal space.

He expressed hope that the UNDP would continue assisting the country in mobilizing development and climate financing, including through SDG-aligned investment initiatives.

Discussing climate challenges, Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan's vulnerability to climate-related disasters and appreciated the UNDP's support during the recovery from the devastating 2022 floods, including its contribution to the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan and implementation of the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF).

He stressed the need to expand cooperation on long-term climate resilience through initiatives such as Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) projects, while also promoting poverty reduction and job creation to address Pakistan's demographic and employment challenges.

The minister also recognized the UNDP's continued engagement in Pakistan despite financial constraints but expressed concern over the decline in the agency's core funding.

He said reforms within the UN development system should reinforce, rather than reduce, support for programme countries, adding that the UNDP's core development mandate should remain aligned with national priorities.

Welcoming the upcoming visit of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, who previously served as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Ahsan Iqbal said the visit would help draw greater international attention to Pakistan's development agenda.

He also extended an invitation to Alexander De Croo on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Pakistan.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation at the country level and within the UN system to advance Pakistan's sustainable development objectives.

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